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World Domination Summit #WDS2013

Last Wednesday night I set out on my epic 36 hour journey from Phnom Penh to Portland, Oregon for what was, at the time, pretty much the great unknown! Yes - I knew I was going to be attending the World Domination Summit, yes - I was excited to meet my cyber-friends from The Hundred Dollar Club and yes I knew the format etc but I had no idea the impact this weekend would have or even, if I would enjoy myself. I was taking a chance.

I had always been a big follower of Chris Guillebeau, I had read the books, subscribed to the blog and, like everyone in attendance, I loved his work. Regardless, I had never given thought of attending the Summit.

I guess my path changed in August last year when I was reading all the inspiring stories of how people had invested their $100 gift from last years Summit. I stumbled upon Rob from the UK - he was taking things a step further - he was taking his $100 and upping the ante - he was turning it into $1000 (OF HIS OWN MONEY) and giving 10 lots of $100 away to help start strangers dreams... was he crazy?

I’m not sure why but I knew I had to be a part of this - I applied and told him of my dreams of quitting the 9-5 and moving to Cambodia. He accepted! $100 appeared in my Paypal. HOLY SHIT - now I had to do this. I was now a part of The Hundred Dollar Club (THDC). People expected stuff. I was being held accountable (I now know that I am an Obliger so I need someone to hold me accountable - thanks Gretch!). This was real.

Over the course of the next 10 months I did quit my job and I moved to Cambodia, I forged friendships with my THDC ‘colleagues’ and I signed up for WDS2013...

I was nervous, I had literally traveled around the world to be there, what if I didn't make any new friends? What if no one liked me? You know all the crazy thoughts you have right (or is that just me)?

I met the guys from THDC for the first time ‘in real life’ on Friday and it felt like I was meeting up with old friends that I hadn’t seen for some time. Everything was going to be ok.

I loved every aspect of the weekend. I made new friends. I learnt stuff. I was inspired and hopefully I inspired. It was electric.

I was so proud to see Rob up on the stage telling THDC story, he did himself proud, he did the club proud. What he didn’t say though was the profound impact he has had on all of us, with his investment in me, he has changed the course of my life and for that I am forever grateful. So I thank you fellow WDS2013ers, I thank you fellow THDCers but mostly I thank you Rob for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

Were you there? What was your biggest take away? I'd love to hear from you...